Work on a clean and healthy lake Paterswoldsemeer has been completed
Work on lake Paterswoldsemeer is now complete. In recent years, Noorderzijlvest Water Authority has implemented various measures to improve water quality. The goal: clean water, a wide variety of plants and animals, minimal blue-green algae, and manageable aquatic plant growth. The outflow route toward Hoendiep has also been addressed. Yesterday afternoon, a celebratory closing event was held with all partners, and on 9 March, there will be a special bike ride around the lake for local residents and recreational users.
Successful collaboration
The measures implemented in 2024 to improve water quality were developed in collaboration with residents, users, Meerschap Paterswolde, Natuurmonumenten (Dutch Society for Nature Conservation), and Sportvisserij Groningen Drenthe (Groningen Drenthe Angling Association). Groningen Council was a key partner in the project to improve the main watercourses between lake Paterswoldsemeer and Hoendiep. Elze Reitsema, Executive Director at Noorderzijlvest Water Authority: “Improving water quality is a major social challenge for the water authority. We do this in accordance with the Water Framework Directive and in close collaboration with the local community. Due to mutual trust and confidence in the plan we developed, we have now reached a major milestone for clean and safe water—for everyone who lives, works, or enjoys recreational activities in this area. Ultimately, water connects us all.”
What have we done about water quality?
Last year, nature-friendly banks and zones, fish hotels, and fish forests were created in various locations. These areas offer fish and small aquatic animals a safe haven in which to develop. They strengthen the ecological balance and consequently the water quality. Step by step, nature is returning. In areas where aquatic plants cause nuisance to recreational users, the Meerschap mows them in accordance with the aquatic plant management plan. In this way, the plants contribute to the ecology of the lake, while recreational users can continue to enjoy the water.
It is a combination of measures that ultimately improves water quality. In an earlier phase, a fixed water level and a new weir with a fish passage were installed. An iron-sand passage was also constructed. The iron sand filters phosphates from the water, keeping the lake cleaner and reducing the risk of blue-green algae.
Climate measures
In addition to the WFD measures, the drainage route between lake Paterswoldsemeer and De Verbetering pumping station on the Hoendiep has been improved and made climate-proof. The main watercourses have bee n widened, a large weir has been relocated, and smaller weirs have been replaced. This allows more water to be drained more quickly. This is important now that we are increasingly faced with heavy rainfall as a result of climate change.
Festive bike ride
To celebrate the completion of all planned work in lake Paterswoldsemeer, the water authority, together with the meerschap, is organizing a beautiful bike ride around the lake on Sunday, 9 March. Involved employees will talk about the work and its impact on water and nature at various locations along the lake. Everyone is welcome!
Sunday, 9 March 2025. Start independently between 13:30 and 15:00. Event ends at 16:00 Start/end point at the Meerschapsboerderij (Veenweg 46, Haren) with coffee/tea/hot chocolate. Bring your own bike.
Unable to attend on 9 March? The bike ride—with information about the measures taken—is permanent and can also be cycled on your own. More information: Lake Paterswoldsemeer bike route
The measures for lake Paterswoldsemeer (Meer in Balans 2 (More balanced lake 2) project – Groningen and Drenthe/Water Framework Directive) were made possible in part by a European subsidy via the Northern Netherlands Partnership (SNN).